Falling tree also causes serious injury

By Andra Moss

Responders from the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, Norfolk Emergency Services (EMS) and the regional paramedic were called to an accident scene shortly before 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 on Loon Meadow Drive where logging has been going on for several weeks.

According to Jon Barbagallo, spokesperson for Norfolk EMS, a male victim was found pinned between standing trees and the front grill of a tractor trailer loaded with logs. It was quickly determined, reported Barbagallo, that a successful rescue was impossible. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Barbagallo confirmed that the victim was the driver of the tractor trailer, which had been loaded with logs earlier in the day for transport off-site. He said that two co-workers had left the driver to go into the woods and continue cutting trees. Only when they returned later in the afternoon did they find the driver pinned against the vehicle and call 911.

The scene was turned over to the Connecticut State Police for investigation.

On Friday, Oct. 25, around 6:30 p.m., a single-vehicle crash was reported at 444 Greenwoods Road West near Ashpotag Road. Norfolk emergency responders and Connecticut State Police Troop B personnel reportedly found a pickup truck crushed beneath a fallen tree. The car was headed eastbound when the large tree came down, striking the cab of the truck and causing it to swerve into a utility pole.

According to Barbagallo, one passenger in the pickup with serious injuries was flown out by a LIFE STAR helicopter, while the other individual in the truck was killed in the crash.

Downed power lines additionally sparked brush fires on both sides of the road that were extinguished by the Norfolk Fire Department.

Connecticut State Police are investigating the crash.